Make My Movie!—After years of catering exclusively to big-budget Hollywood filmmakers, the State Film Office looks like it's finally starting to get the idea that New Mexico might have a few of its own budding auteurs. Recently, Gov. Bill Richardson announced a statewide short screenplay competiton. If you're an aspiring filmmaker/screenwriter and you've got something in mind--or if you've already got something buried on the hard drive of your computer--get it entered. Four winning screenplays will be chosen to be produced in New Mexico in 2006. Winners will have access to production gear, crew, costumes and props, plus a production budget provided by sponsors Comcast and National Geographic All Roads Film Project. All films must be 10 minutes or less. Deadline for entries is April 7. This is a fantastic opportunity, people, so get on it! Log on to www.nmfilm.com for a complete entry form.

Gentle documentary explores India's obsession with death and rivers

By Devin D. O'Leary

We here in America have become increasingly isolated from the specter of death; we know it happens, but we're not quite sure how. Other countries, less insulated from nature by technology, architecture and economy, have a more intimate relationship with death. Take, for example, India.

Cheeky monkey gets hip, but--thankfully--not too hip

By Devin D. O'Leary

The very first Curious George book by the husband-and-wife team of H.A. and Margret Rey was published way back in 1941. Since then, the delightful picture book and its six sequels have been requisite titles on the bookshelves of generations of children across the world. The question then is, “If a work of art is so universally beloved in its original form, why bother turning it into a movie?” Aside from rampant greed and a total lack of original ideas, there really isn't a concrete reason. But that hasn't stopped Universal Pictures and producer Ron Howard (who's already destroyed such kiddy classics as How the Grinch Stole Christmas and The Cat in the Hat) from cranking out an expensive, animated adaptation.

Two networks are gone, but one stands in their place

By Devin D. O'Leary

Fans of The WB and UPN networks (don't laugh, there are a few of them out there) got good news and bad news recently. It was announced in late January, exactly 11 years after The WB and UPN launched, that both networks would be going out of business. This announcement came as a shock not only to viewers, but to just about all the producers at WB and UPN, who hadn't heard a word about this little development. There was, however, some good news in the announcement. Warner Brothers and CBS Corp. would be combining their efforts to create a brand new “fifth network”--and it is this freshly christened CW network (“C” for CBS, “W” for Warners) that will be picking up many of the more successful WB and UPN offerings.

The Super Bowl is the Super Bowl of advertising

By Devin D. O'Leary

In Super Bowl XL, held last weekend in Detroit, somebody won and somebody lost. ... Moving on. The big battle wasn't between sports teams, but between advertisers. Seriously. Companies forked out $2.5 million per 30-second spot, and many viewers were watching the ads as attentively as they watched the game.

The Week in Sloth

Thursday 9

“Fashion Police: 2006 Grammy Awards” (E! 7 p.m.) So who was the hoochiest mama at last night's Grammy Awards? Find out right here.

Friday 10

“Arrested Development” (KASA-2 7 p.m.) For whatever nefarious reasons, FOX has not officially decided to cancel “Arrested Development.” Executives have said they would “wait and see” what happens to the show's ratings this season. Well, given that FOX is burning off all four remaining episodes tonight--directly across from the opening night ceremonies of the Olympics--I'd venture to say it ain't gonna do all that well in the ratings. But ... if you're not a big fan of flags, this might just be the antidote for you.